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NEWS CHRISTCHURCH MAIL, MAY 22, 2014 11 Help regenerate Domain’s trees VOLUNTEERS ARE sought to plant 7000 trees and shrubs at South New Brighton Domain this Sunday and on June 8 to regenerate the recreation area wrecked by the earthquakes. The plants, a mix of PAYING RESPECTS: A small crowd on the SouthNewBrighton Estuary Walk gathered at a ceremony 18 months ago to mark the passing of trees removed after the earthquakes. Photo: DEAN KOZANIC High rents and related issues worry tenants HAVING TO leave rentals for earthquake repairs and facing expensive temporary accommodation rents is causing some tenants concern. Tenants Protection Association educator and advisor Lisa Coulter said the organisation fielded a lot of inquiries from tenants ‘‘about where they stand’’. A survey the organisation com- pleted last year found 60 per cent of respondents had earthquake damage in their rental properties – ranging from minor to major structural damage. Coulter said there was not a lot of accommodation available. People were ‘‘scrambling’’ and having to pay high rents. The organisation, as a result of the same survey, had called for rent controls. She said some tenants might be covered for temporary accommodation through their contents insurance policy, but were ‘‘better placed if they were there at the time of the earthquakes’’. There were also other costs involved as well as the rent, such as moving possessions, and storage, if needed. Coulter said the obligations of the landlords in the situation were not specific. It depended on their own insurance, she said – if they were covered for the loss of rent. Some would still ask for rent for the property while it was being fixed, but most would reduce it to nothing. There could be issues over who paid for the power during that period. She said it all came down to negotiation. The post-earthquake scenario was unusual, Coulter said, as people did not usually move out and maintain a tenancy, but the tenant still kept the right to occupy the property. ‘‘It is best if the tenant is kept in the loop. ‘‘If they know how long (the repairs will take) they can explore other options.’’ There were also provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act which covered rents being too far above market rents, which gave tenants the ability to apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a reduction. Coulter said it was important to seek advice, as each case was different. As well as her organisation, each Fletchers Hub also had a community liaison officer. native species and exotic trees, will be established in the area where many mature trees were felled in March last year due to quake damage. Burwood Pegasus council- lor David East said the trees were a valuable asset that sheltered the suburb to some degree and provided a well-used recreation area. ‘‘So it’s important that there’s a replanting programme that uses a mix of exotics and natives.’’ The cost of trees was covered by a donation from Auckland Council to the Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund. Volunteers should bring sturdy footwear or gumboots and, if possible, a spade. However, equipment will be provided. Both events run from 10am to 12 noon. Helpers meet at the Beatty St playground. A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR LAND CLAIM BEFORE IT’S SETTLED. 4 WHICH PARTS OF MY LAND ARE COVERED? The settlement amount for your land claim is usually calculated using either the cost of your repairs or the valuation of your damaged land – whichever amount is lower. The value of your land will be calculated by an experienced valuer who is familiar with the Canterbury market. It’s important to remember that an excess will be deducted from the final amount of each land claim. If the claim is $5,000 or less, EQC will deduct an excess of $500 – but if the claim is greater than $5,000, the excess will be 10% of the total amount at a maximum of $5,000 per claim. CALL 0800 326 243 OR VISIT eqc.govt.nz For more information visit eqc.govt.nz/land or call us on 0800 326 243.